How to use fabric from stash
#11
I work from my stash a lot, but while I can find most of the fabrics for a quilt in my stash, I usually need to go to my LQS to add one more to complete the design. I figure that if I use five fabrics from my stash and buy one, I am still reducing the stash and will be happier with the result. If I used one from the stash and bought five, that's a problem.
#12
This is one reason I don't have a stash. What stash I do have is leftovers from projects. I would not have a clue how to go about selecting a pattern to go with existing fabric. Different from collecting particular fabrics for a specific project - as I am in the process of doing now.
If you like scrappy??? I'm sure other stashers will be along to give you some pointers.
If you like scrappy??? I'm sure other stashers will be along to give you some pointers.
#13
I have bought fabric on a whim and put them in my stash, but mostly I buy/collect fabrics with a project in mind. I collected red, black and white FQ's for over a year for a Turning Twenty quilt. I plan on making another one with just the purchased "whim' fabric. Scrappy quilts turn out nice too. : ]
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
I have focus fabrics and a lot of blenders. Since I only make quilts with at most 5 different fabrics (color deficiency), I rummage through my focus fabrics, get excited about one, and then hunt for the companion fabrics among the blenders.
Also, I tend to make very brightly colored quilts because the colors are much clearer to me than pastels.
Also, I tend to make very brightly colored quilts because the colors are much clearer to me than pastels.
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
try reversing your process...choose a 'focus fabric' from your stash you would like to make something out of, then pull coordinates that go with your focus fabric- then when you see what you have look for a pattern you like that would work with the fabrics you have picked out. think of your stash as shopping at the quilt shop- scraps can be cut into *pre-cuts* and organized into 'charm packs, jelly rolls, layer cakes & fat quarters' then you can choose patterns that use those precuts when you feel you have enough *like 20 fat quarters- for a 'turning 20' quilt* or a good assortment of 2 1/2" strips for a jelly roll race quilt---there are lots of options out there- start with the fabric.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
I love having my stash, because I can usually make whatever I want whenever I want and not have to purchase anything at all for the project. Just consider your stash your personal quilt shop. Choose a pattern that excites you, "shop at home" and you'll see how much fun that is!
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NC
Posts: 288
I love having my stash, because I can usually make whatever I want whenever I want and not have to purchase anything at all for the project. Just consider your stash your personal quilt shop. Choose a pattern that excites you, "shop at home" and you'll see how much fun that is!
I would try to go to your stash and study them, organize them by color or theme. You will find that you may have more of a certain color and very few of others. Most people have more of the medium shades compared to the others.
If you have a lot of small cut pieces, like many suggested Quiltville.com is a good resource.
When I buy I always ask: is this a Focus fabric, Accent fabric, or background fabric. That determines how much I will purchase.
Don't let your Stash intimidate you. It is there saying "we want to play".
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1,141
Most of my stash consists of remnants (less than 1 yd and 50% off the sale prices), fabrics from the clearance section at JoAnns and FQs and yardage purchased at quilters garage sales. The few pieces of LQS fabrics I have were selected from the bargain bin. When I start a quilt, I try to select a focus fabric from my stash, and build on it from there. I'll pull stacks and stacks of remnants and pieces out of the drawers and audition them with the focus fabric. Often I can get the bulk of my selections from my stash, and then head to the store for a couple more to finish out the color palette.
It takes time and practice. I'm still practicing.- I've only been quilting since 2011, but have made nearly 40 quilts.
It takes time and practice. I'm still practicing.- I've only been quilting since 2011, but have made nearly 40 quilts.
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